Hybrid Buses

Climate change coupled with the growing scarcity of fossil raw materials are factors that pose fresh challenges on local public transport. Vossloh Kiepe is focusing closely on these changing conditions. Building on its longstanding experience with trolleybus traction, the Company has come up with a series-type hybrid drive system fit for the needs of the future.

Hybrids have many and varied benefits: maximum energy savings, traction system and energy storage unit longevity, and minimum emissions.

Vossloh Kiepe’s hybrid system is of modular design and hence able to accommodate an array of options. Modifications to energy management and controls allow the drive platform (traction inverter and motor) to be configured in a variety of ways. There is also the possibility of complete independence of any diesel engine by using a fuel cell or a traction battery as primary energy source.

Hybrid buses emit little noise and emissions at the bus stops thanks to a series hybrid drive with automatic start-stop function. This traction system is to be found in 12-meter single and up to 24-meter double-articulated buses. 

To achieve these zero-emission, low-noise buses, hybrid drive is combined with fuel cells on hydrogen hybrid vehicles.

The type of series hybrid drive developed by Vossloh Kiepe reflects a responsible use of the Earth’s energy resources. It is a mode of propulsion specifically developed for the challenging environment of urban buses having to work long hours under fluctuating loads.

The use of proven parts taken over from the trolleybus and tram traction systems ensures a high degree of vehicle availability. Vossloh Kiepe develops its own proprietary hardware and software and hence the vehicles can be individually adapted to a wide variety of needs. Throughout vehicle service life our experienced staff can provide expert advice.

It was back in the 1970s that Vossloh Kiepe first prepared its studies and prototypes of electric vehicles with energy storage units. These vehicles failed to make it however and it was only with the advent of more recent technologies that energy storage units were redeveloped in the direction of efficiency and practical application.